United States imposes new sanctions on Cuba

The U.S. Treasury and State Departments announced a new round of sanctions against Cuba, designating nine Cuban entities and two senior officials under Executive Order 14404. The listed firms include three energy companies – CEINPET, ENERSA and Einarbo – the Mariel Container Terminal and other GAESA‑linked enterprises, as well as the Commercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos (CSMC) and the Central Unit for Medical Cooperation (UCCM). The two officials sanctioned are Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda and UCCM director Gretza Sánchez Padrón.

Washington says the measures target entities that evade previous restrictions and that the Cuban medical‑mission program operates as forced labour and channels illicit revenues. Cuba and its allies warn the sanctions will worsen shortages of fuel, electricity and medical supplies, endangering civilians. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the restrictions “unacceptable” and urged an immediate lift. The United States also dispatched a humanitarian aid flight delivering food and kits to Cuban families, as part of a $100 million assistance package.